Conducting a land survey is a complex job that requires complex tools and skills. Professional land surveyors use different methods to collect data and produce surveys. The most common methods are GPS, satellite data, robotic total stations, 3D scanners, and more. 

As technology advances, they have seen a lot of changes in their practices. One example is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Surveying can now be done with drones for accuracy and efficiency. To learn more about drone surveying, continue reading below:

What Is a Drone Survey?

During aerial surveying, a drone is used to gather data within only a short period of time. This powerful tool is helpful in topographic surveys, urban mapping, and visual inspections. Since drones can fly, the ground is photographed from different angles.

How Does a Drone Survey Work?

Unmanned aerial vehicles have downward-facing sensors that capture images. When they fly at low altitudes, high-resolution data is generated in real-time. From this data, photogrammetry software is used to create elevation maps or 3D models. During post-processing, the georeferenced maps can be applied in surveying, construction, real estate, and agriculture.

Is a Drone Survey Accurate?

There’s no need to worry because UAV surveys are very accurate. It boasts a 2 cm accuracy, which is the minimum accuracy for photogrammetric control points. Aside from the equipment itself, other factors like the quality of the camera, flight height, and ground cover can influence the accuracy level.

Benefits of UAV Surveys

Reduced Time and Costs

Since traditional land surveying takes several days or weeks, you will be charged more for labor and other costs. On the other hand, drone surveying reduces field time. Collecting data with a drone is up to five times faster. UAV technology allows land surveyors to capture images and accomplish more work in less time. 

On a per-acre basis, a traditional land survey will cost between $50 and $500. But with aerial surveying, you will only pay between $30 and $120 per acre. This results in lesser costs and increased efficiency. 

Reduced Manpower Requirements

Land surveying is a physically challenging job because heavy equipment needs to be set up on-site. Since drones capture data from above, they require less manpower. No need for a larger team and more resources. 

More Accurate Real-Time Data

Drones are designed to extract highly accurate distances and measurements. Even one drone flight can produce thousands of measurements in different formats.

The advancement of UAV technology provides surveyors to take high-definition photos from different angles. This results in accurate, real-time data points. The geospatial data will be used to create both 2D and 3D models of the site. Compared to traditional land surveys, drones offer more detailed and realistic data. 

Map Inaccessible Areas

Land surveyors need to traverse rocky terrains and roadsides while carrying all their equipment. Sometimes, slopes can be too difficult and steep to navigate. Drones can gather data from hard-to-reach locations or inaccessible vantage points. It can fly almost everywhere and in any weather. Using remote controls, unmanned aerial systems can be easily deployed to map remote areas. 

More Safe Land Surveying

Thanks to technology, land surveys can be done quickly and safely. With aerial mapping drones, there’s no need to go to steep slopes or dangerous highways. Surveyors can now monitor locations and communicate threatening conditions. This way, slips, falls, and other hazards are prevented during the land survey process. 

During these high-risk situations, UAVs are extremely helpful. A drone survey eliminates the need for surveyors to carry measuring tools while navigating unsafe steep terrains. It is now possible to capture geospatial data regardless of how many surveyors are on the ground. 

Call Our Experienced Surveyors

Pittsburgh Land Surveyors is a company dedicated to taking on various survey projects. Our team provides precise and reliable data that you can use in different applications. At our surveying firm, we employ the latest field and processing tools, instruments, and technologies. 

Our goal is to perform land surveying services for residential properties, commercial developments, highways, buildings, and other structures. From boundary surveys to flood elevation services, we can bring the best possible service to you!

Need to hire a land surveyor? Contact us today to discuss your specific needs. Our staff is ready to give a free quote for your project!